Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland’s media landscape has been a target for Kremlin information operations. Russia’s strategy relies not only on covert channels and state propaganda media but also on a network of local commentators who can translate Moscow’s narratives into the local context, and political tensions.
This tactic was highlighted in April 2025, when Gazeta Wyborcza revealed that Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) had received a list of 25 individuals allegedly involved in disseminating Kremlin propaganda online. It published the article “Putin’s list of influences. Gen. Stróżyk’s commission has provided the Internal Security Agency with a list of 25 names.” [https://wyborcza.pl/7,75398,31858206,lista-wplywow-putina.html]
Among those named were several authors from the nationalist weekly Myśl Polska, long known for publishing pro-Russian and anti-Western content. The list includes the names of several authors: Jan Engelgard, editor-in-chief of Myśl Polska, as well as editors Prof. Anna Raźny, Przemysław Piasta, and Konrad Rękas.
Polish media coverage emphasized that the ABW had been asked what actions it was taking in response—whether investigations had been opened or if website blocking was possible in the event of conflict escalation—but no further developments have been publicized since. Nevertheless, the episode reflected a broader concern: Russian narratives in Poland often travel through domestic voices that appear authoritative, familiar, and “local” to readers.
Previous research has detailed the pro-Kremlin output of Myśl Polska figures such as Jan Engelgard, Anna Raźny, Mateusz Piskorski, and Przemysław Piasta.
- https://insightnews.media/przemyslaw-piasta-a-voice-supporting-pro-kremlin-narratives-in-polands-media-landscape/
- https://insightnews.media/actors-amplifying-anti-ukrainian-and-pro-russian-discourse-in-poland/
This article examines two additional contributors—Konrad Rękas and Adam Śmiech—whose writings serve as conduits for Kremlin talking points, providing Russian state media with “Polish expert” validation for propaganda targeting both domestic Russian audiences and international readers.
Konrad Rękas
Konrad Rękas is a Polish journalist and longtime political activist whose career spans several nationalist and far-right circles, including the controversial Zmiana party—an organization described in Polish media as pro-Kremlin and scrutinized for suspected Russian ties. His public activity has included local political roles, advisory positions, and prolific commentary on Polish-Ukrainian relations, sovereignty, foreign policy, and NATO [https://vsquare.org/a-snake-that-ate-its-own-tail/].
Rękas’s name appeared in documents relating to Polish investigations into alleged Russian disinformation and influence operations, with Polish authorities listing him among figures potentially involved in spreading Russian narratives in Poland.
Rękas regularly publishes in pro-Kremlin and alt-right outlets, mainly in Myśl Polska, but also in English-language disinformation outlets such as Global Research, a website registered in Canada known for spreading Russian propaganda [https://www.globalresearch.ca/writer/konrad-rekas]. In his contributions he amplifies Russia-friendly narratives to English-speaking audiences and validates Kremlin talking points.
His interviews and articles provide source material frequently rebroadcast by Russian state media, sometimes as apparent “Polish expert” validation of Kremlin talking points. He was named as a significant amplifier for Russian disinformation when Russian state agency RIA Novosti used his interviews as a basis for false claims regarding alleged Polish military activity in Ukraine.
Konrad Rękas’s articles were widely used by Russian propaganda outlets to validate their narratives and fake claims and show to internal audiences that Russian propaganda claims have support in Europe, specifically in Poland. These narratives include the following.
1. “Poland is preparing to seize Western Ukraine”
Rękas has repeatedly claimed that Warsaw is planning an incursion into Western Ukraine, allegedly with U.S. approval. This mirrors one of the Kremlin’s core disinformation themes: that Ukraine is doomed to lose sovereignty, and its neighbors will partition the country. Russian outlets picked up Rękas’ claims and presented them as proof of Polish intentions.
His commentary was widely quoted by Russian propaganda outlets Ukraina.ru and RIA Novosti, which used his framing to argue that Poland was an aggressive actor preparing an annexation under American supervision.
“I have no doubt that the Polish authorities would not only willingly implement such a scenario, but that they are already preparing for it. However, I do not think that this could be some kind of reunification of the former Polish Eastern Borderland (now part of Western Ukraine—ed.) with the Motherland, or (as Ukrainians would say) its “Polish occupation.” Let’s face it: the Americans should give the green light to the Poles to enter Ukraine. After all, they should guarantee not only the assistance of the Ukrainian side but also provide the invaders with the appropriate equipment. In order to save Zelensky or give gifts to the Poles? Of course not. The Poles in Eastern Malopolska (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Ternopil regions – ed.) and Volyn will act on behalf of a new state, possibly a federation or confederation—formally—ed.) Polish-Ukrainian, but under direct American control.”
- https://ukraina.ru/20220430/1033895687.html
- https://ria.ru/20220506/voennye-1787117560.html
2. Delegitimizing Polish authorities
Rękas has mocked the Internal Security Agency (ABW), describing its investigations into Russian espionage as “surreal hysteria” and part of a political ploy. This rhetoric mirrors Russia’s longstanding objective: undermine trust in Polish security structures and portray counterintelligence efforts as irrational or politically motivated.
“Poland’s Internal Security Agency is acting surreally because of the imaginary threat of Russian espionage,” Myśl Polska reports. “Although the surrealism of the ABW’s actions is obvious, (…) the consequences are grave and real. The “Russians under every bed” hysteria is not just an election ploy or a smokescreen for the lack of real successes of the current team (government—Ed.),” wrote the publication’s columnist Konrad Rekas.
- https://ria.ru/20230712/isteriya-1883644782.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/07/11/rekas-ostatnia-tercja/
3. Adoption of Kremlin terminology
He consistently uses terms such as “special military operation,” “denazification of Ukraine,” and narratives about “Ukrainian Nazi indoctrination”—all direct reproductions of Putin’s justification for the invasion. These terms carry ideological weight and serve to normalize Russian framing in foreign media spaces.
“RIA Novosti. Polish media will present Kiev’s defeat in the special operation as a strategic victory for Ukraine, political scientist Konrad Renkas wrote in an article for the Myśl Polska newspaper. In his opinion, information about subsequent defeats of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will continue to be censored by local publications. “Even the final defeat of the Kyiv authorities in this unnecessary conflict will still be presented as their strategic victory,” Renkas suggested.””
- https://ria.ru/20220816/porazhenie-1809880959.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2022/08/07/rekas-co-naprawde-myslimy-o-wojnie-i-ukraincach-w-polsce/
In addition, his use of Putin’s terminology “denazification of Ukraine” and the Russian narrative “Ukrainian refugees run away from Kiev Nazi ideology” was reposted by the Russian propaganda outlet Ria Novosti.
“RIA Novosti. Refugees who arrived in Poland have been convinced of the need for denazification of Ukraine, wrote Myśl Polska columnist Konrad Renkas. “We are seeing the consequences of many years of Nazi ideological indoctrination among the newcomers. The state cult of Stepan Bandera, Roman Shukhevych, and other Nazi collaborators has left an indelible mark on generations of Ukrainians. <…> Ukraine is a territory where denazification is absolutely necessary,” he said.”
- https://ria.ru/20230406/pravda-1863359323.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/04/04/rekas-uchodzcy-czy-przesiedlency/
4. “Ukraine is losing—defeat is inevitable.”
Another pillar of Rękas’ writing is the assertion that Ukraine’s defeat is predetermined. RIA Novosti routinely republishes these arguments, using them to reassure Russian audiences and claim that even “Polish experts” acknowledge Ukraine’s collapse. His article claiming that “Poland found itself on the brink of war with Russia due to a serious mistake” and the Russian narratives that “Poland sends mercenaries to Ukraine all the time” and “the EU is responsible for a full-scale war with Russia” were also supported by the Russian propaganda.
“RIA Novosti. The repeated participation of Polish mercenaries in attacks on the Belgorod region could lead to a full-scale war with Russia, writes columnist Konrad Renkas in an article for Myśl Polska. “The participation of Polish mercenaries in an attack deep into Russian territory is a serious violation of international law, so Moscow has every reason to demand an explanation from Warsaw,” he noted.”
- https://ria.ru/20230614/polsha-1878066099.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/06/13/rekas-niewypowiedziana-wojna/
5. Blaming the West for the war
He argues that the EU and NATO—not Russia—bear responsibility for the conflict and promotes the notion that Western states would rather destroy Ukraine than lose control over it. Russian state media amplifies these statements to support the narrative that Russia is confronting Western imperial expansion.
“In the event of losing control over Ukraine, the West could turn it into scorched earth,” writes Myśl Polska columnist Konrad Renkas. “It seems that, anticipating the loss of control over Ukraine, the West will try not to leave even scorched earth on its territory…” Renkas wrote.”
- https://ria.ru/20231005/zapad-1900571565.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/10/03/rekas-ukrainski-szantaz-zbozowy-drugie-dno/
6. “Ukropolia”: An invented dystopia
Rękas’ claim that Poland is becoming a hybrid Ukrainian–Polish entity governed with “Zelensky-style repression” has no factual basis but echoes the Kremlin’s effort to depict Ukraine as authoritarian and toxic. RIA Novosti amplified this narrative to stoke fears of Ukrainian political influence in Poland.
“RIA Novosti. In place of the Polish state, a new political entity called Ukropolia will emerge, which will be governed using the repressive methods of the Kiev authorities. This is what Myśl Polska columnist Konrad Renkas writes. “Poland is becoming a binational country, which is acknowledged even by the main media. It is possible that it will eventually turn into Ukropolya. And this new formation will have to be managed by methods successfully tested by the Zelensky regime, that is, with the help of terror, a ban on the activities of the real opposition, arrests, and restrictions on civil and labor rights,” the author predicted.”
- https://ria.ru/20230830/polsha-1893279280.html
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/08/29/rekas-wszyscy-do-urn-tylko-czy-wybory-sie-odbeda/
A Reliable Tool for Russian State Media
Because Rękas publishes in Polish and English and speaks from a nationalist perspective, he is a valuable asset to Russian disinformation networks. His content enables Russian outlets to say:
- “Polish experts confirm…”
- “Poland fears…”
- “Even in Poland, they admit…”
This technique—recycling a fringe domestic opinion into a “foreign confirmation”—is a standard Kremlin propaganda tactic. Rękas’ articles serve precisely this purpose.
Rękas’s favorite topics: stigmatize Ukrainian refugees, blame Europe for Russia’s war, and slam the Polish government.
“Lockdowns were replaced by equally disastrous sanctions against Russia and the acceleration of the so-called energy transition justified by them. (…) A significant portion of the nine million people flooding into Europe via Poland are not even Ukrainians. They are members of international mafias, especially those of Caucasian origin, individuals linked to international Wahhabi terrorism, arms dealers, drug dealers, and human traffickers.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2025/04/25/rekas-ukrainska-imigracja-do-europy-kryzysy-i-konflikty/
“Stubbornly delaying the inevitable, Kyiv’s final defeat, only increases the threat, including to Poland. (…) We were dealing with Russian drones, likely controlled, redirected, or passed through by Ukrainians, but on the direct orders of Western European instigators.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2025/09/12/rekas-najwyzszy-czas-zaczac-sie-bac/
“President Andrzej Duda was described as the Ukrainian vice president (and the Zionists’ secretary of state). President Nawrocki has seamlessly assumed the same role. He is their president.”
“Many among the thousands of participants in the march would undoubtedly support the Polexit proposal, rightly understanding that without leaving the EU, we will not be able to independently shape our economic relations with Russia, China, Belarus—and, of course, Ukraine. Polexit is a necessity, even if it still seems unimaginable to most Poles. (…) It is now clear that the main driver of the war in Ukraine has shifted to London and is being fueled by Paris and Berlin. It is therefore in the Poles’ best interests to stay as far away as possible, especially from jingoistic European capitals.”
“A growing number of Poles believe that it wasn’t just Russia that invaded Ukraine, but Ukrainians who invaded Poland, and worse still, they’re winning, occupying key sectors, from healthcare to positions in the Polish government, whose members proudly claim Ukrainian descent or at least Ukrainian wives. What kind of independence celebration is it when Poland is occupied by Ukrainians?”
- https://myslpolska.info/2025/11/14/rekas-marsz-do-niepodleglosci/
Adam Śmiech
Adam Śmiech is a Polish political commentator and publicist. He is closely associated with Myśl Polska, a weekly nationalist publication known for producing Kremlin-friendly posts. Śmiech is cited among a group of columnists and activists in Poland whose commentary coincides with or amplifies narratives pushed by the Kremlin, especially regarding the war in Ukraine, Poland’s membership in NATO and the EU, and the depiction of “anti-Western” positions.
His articles frequently question Polish policy toward Ukraine and the West; emphasize grievances against Ukraine or the EU (often referencing Volhynia, “Bandera ideology,” and alleged anti-Polish discrimination); and argue for neutrality or rapprochement with Russia, warning against “serving Washington’s interests.”
Analytic reports by Fakenews.pl and GLOBSEC describe how Adam Śmiech, together with collaborators and groups like Myśl Polska, contributed to online and real-world activism for “pacifist” and anti-Western movements in Poland. These groups present themselves as peace activists but routinely deploy slogans, narratives, and arguments that align with Kremlin strategic interests, such as
- Criticizing Poland’s and Europe’s support for Ukraine.
- Propagating fake claims about Ukrainian “Nazism.”
- Suggesting that Russia’s actions are justified.
- He also downplays or ignores the war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
Śmiech has publicly debated and appeared alongside figures such as Jan Engelgard and Mateusz Piskorski, known for their pro-Kremlin positions and networks. Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) arrested Piskorski in 2016 on charges of espionage for Russia and China. Investigations and leaked documents revealed his extensive contacts with Kremlin strategists.
Adam Śmiech and Mateusz Piskorski share a longstanding professional relationship, collaborating in publications and media that are documented as amplifying pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives within the Polish public sphere, as proven by the sources below:
- https://myslpolska.info/2022/01/24/rosyjsko-polski-okragly-stol-rozmowy-rosja-nato-i-bezpieczenstwo-europy-wschodniej/
- https://x.com/Disinfo_Digest/status/1353631361194725376
- https://fundacjareporterow.org/storage/2022/10/Teritorial-revisionism.pdf
- https://fakenews.pl/en/analyzes/who-coordinates-the-pro-russian-anti-war-movements-we-reveal-the-network-of-organizations-involved/
- https://cyberdefence24.pl/witold-jurasz-o-geopolityce-wojny-informacyjnej-w-polsce-fake-news-to-fake-problem-a-polska-edycja-russia-today-nie-musi-istniec-wywiad
Both are prominent contributors to the nationalist weekly Myśl Polska, regularly co-authoring articles, conducting joint interviews, and appearing together in public debates and video programs such as “Czytamy i Myślimy,” which reviews foreign press and political developments. They have both participated in roundtable events and conferences—sometimes organized or facilitated by Russian partners—representing Myśl Polska, often aligned with anti-NATO and pro-neutrality stances.
Analytic reports on pro-Kremlin influence in Poland list both Adam Śmiech and Mateusz Piskorski as part of the same network of commentators who frequently appear together alongside other like-minded figures, such as Jan Engelgard and Przemysław Piasta, amplifying narratives that overlap with Russian strategic interests.
Adam Śmiech’s articles are often cited in analytic reports as examples of narrative overlap with Kremlin propaganda campaigns. His work helps normalize certain topics (e.g., anti-Ukrainian historical grievances, calls for Polish neutrality, skepticism of NATO) that Russian information operations exploit for polarization and to undermine Polish-Western solidarity.
1. “The West is using Ukrainian nationalists against Russia.”
Śmiech repeatedly portrays Ukrainian national identity as an extremist movement engineered by the CIA and Western intelligence to be used as a geopolitical weapon against Russia. This framing delegitimizes Ukraine as a sovereign nation and casts Ukrainian patriotism as inherently hostile to Poland, reinforcing the Kremlin’s long-standing strategy of deepening Polish-Ukrainian distrust. By suggesting that contemporary Ukrainian society is shaped by a cult of wartime “criminals” and ideological hatred, Śmiech positions Ukraine as dangerous for Poland.
“We have learned the main facts about the Ukrainian chauvinist movement, about its survival during the Cold War thanks to the CIA and other Western intelligence agencies, and about its “dormancy” by the US in order to use it at an opportune moment against Russia, which has been happening since the so-called Orange Revolution.”
“Millions of Poles today know about this disgrace of the 21st century, which is happening with the consent of the United States and its vassals in Europe, so affected by the crimes of chauvinism. Commemorating and educating young Ukrainians in the cult of criminals and their ideology of hatred is today a much more important issue than investigating further details of the historical crimes of the OUN/UPA et consortes.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/07/20/ukrainskie-refleksje-po-latach-1/
2. “Poland must stop supporting Ukraine”
Śmiech argues that Poland’s assistance to Ukraine is not a sovereign choice but a form of blind obedience to the United States and the European Union. He depicts Polish leaders as “pawns” incapable of pursuing independent national interests and insists that supporting Ukraine only encourages Ukrainian entitlement while exposing Poland to unnecessary danger.
“Poland’s interests are not identical to those of Ukraine, and they diverge completely from the interests of neo-Bandera Ukraine. Emotional gestures of devotion to Ukraine do not inspire admiration but encourage a sense of entitlement. Poland is depriving itself of any arguments because the hotheads among its rulers, who are nothing more than pawns, continue to dream of defeating Russia and breaking it up into a series of puppet states.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/08/02/smiech-ukrainskie-refleksje-po-latach-2/
“What else could be the completely crazy idea of creating a Polish-Ukrainian union? It is a proposal to destroy the Polish nation, a proposal to reverse the course of history, to re-enter the Eastern shoes and conflicts, and to enter messianism and Prometheanism, even at the cost of all of us and Poland itself. And not in the name of Ukraine’s glory. Ukraine is only needed when it harms Russia. Otherwise, it is not needed at all. These crazy ideas are a contradiction of all the principles that every sovereign state should follow.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2022/07/09/smiech-rusofobiczna-prawica/
3. “Sanctions and anti-Russian policies harm Poland.”
Śmiech consistently claims that Western sanctions and anti-Russian policy frameworks inflict more damage on Poland and the EU than on Moscow. He frames Western policy as dictated by Washington and driven by irrational Russophobia rather than strategic necessity. Śmiech echoes a central Kremlin objective: eroding confidence in Western institutions while normalizing the idea that cooperation with Russia would better serve national interests.
“While Ukraine is in turmoil and hatred towards Russians is running rampant in Poland, a popular internet portal quotes a Polish renegade fighting in the ranks of the neo-Banderites from Azov as saying, ‘It’s good to kill those Russians.’ The Czechs are becoming the hope of Central Europe, the hope for emancipation from the degenerate Western system, and the hope for washing away the shame of submissiveness—including Poland’s—towards Ukraine and voluntary vassalage to the US.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2022/11/05/smiech-a-tymczasem-czesi/
4. “Russia is fighting a defensive war; the West and Ukraine are to blame for the war.”
Adopting Kremlin terminology such as “special military operation,” Śmiech reframes Russia’s invasion as a forced response to Western provocation and Ukrainian extremism. In his articles and public appearances, he shifts responsibility for the war away from Russia and onto NATO, the United States, and Ukraine.
The Russian website inosmi.ru published an article by Śmiech with pro-Russian rhetoric aimed at discrediting Polish foreign policy, support for Ukraine, and membership in NATO and the EU. As the Kremlin propaganda does, he weaponizes the term “Russophobia.”
“We will continue the festival of Russophobia, exchanging accusations of working for the Kremlin and competing in anti-Russian rhetoric. We will continue to seek patrons abroad and bow down to the US president or the European Union. We will continue to support Ukraine and the war, while leaving the question of Poland’s and the Polish army’s direct participation in this conflict to be decided by foreign players.”
- https://inosmi.ru/20250520/polsha_vybory-273071239.html
“Poland, through its administrators from the Civic Platform and, previously, the Law and Justice party (in both cases, with the territories adjacent to it), acts as a fanatical and disgusting instigator of war, which in its blindness sacrifices everything to defend and support the most dangerous version of Ukraine for us—Bandera’s Ukraine, whose ideological foundation in the form of a chauvinistic ideology of hatred and murder stands on thousands of monuments and other memorials throughout Ukraine. Which Ukrainian state, in its so-called conciliar, maximalist version, covers a significant part of the current Polish lands? As a marginal note, we can confirm the thesis about the suicidal nature of Polish Russophobia.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2025/02/13/inny-swiat-1-0/
Myśl Polska held a debate with the participation of Śmiech and American-born Russian propagandist Scott Ritter.
“Myśl Polska initiated a Polish-American debate on NATO’s ongoing proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. We discussed the causes, course, and possible consequences of the escalating conflict with Scott Ritter, a well-known American military expert and former disarmament inspector in Iraq. On the Polish side, Adam Śmiech (Myśl Polska) and Krzysztof Tołwiński (chairman of the Front party, former deputy minister of the treasury) spoke. The discussion was moderated by Mateusz Piskorski.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2023/06/11/z-amerykanami-o-potrzebie-pokoju/
He uses the Kremlin’s terminology “special military operation,” describing the event he participated in, “The Causes and Consequences of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine,” and a lecture by M. Piskorsky on the new book by Kremlin propagandist and Russian neo-fascism ideologist Alexander Dugin.
“We began with a lecture by Dr. Mateusz Piskorski entitled “Security through Multivectorism: The Thoughts of Professor Aleksander Dugin.” The lecture was prompted by the publication of a new book by the Russian philosopher, released by Dom Wydawniczy Myśl Polska. The discussion between Dr. Edward Karolczuk and editor Adam Śmiech on “The causes and effects of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine” aroused great interest.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2024/09/15/obradowaly-kluby-mysli-polskiej/
5. “Poland must pursue rapprochement with Russia.”
Śmiech promotes a strategic realignment in Polish foreign policy—away from Ukraine, NATO, and the EU, and toward Russia. He frames good relations with Moscow as an essential national interest and a requirement for regional peace. He points to Hungary and Slovakia as positive examples of countries that allegedly protect their sovereignty by resisting Western pressure. This narrative not only normalizes Russia’s geopolitical claims but also encourages Poland to weaken its Euro-Atlantic commitments, which is a long-term strategic goal of Russian influence operations.
“The speakers emphasized that the actions of the Polish authorities involving us in the conflict taking place in Ukraine are irresponsible, dangerous, and anti-Polish. According to them, actions such as increasing military equipment supplies are unacceptable. According to the guests, the threat of war is very high at present, and we must realistically expect that our country will be pushed into war by the irresponsible elites ruling Poland. Adam Śmiech clearly formulated the thesis that our, i.e., the Polish nation’s, raison d’état is good relations with our neighbors, primarily Russia and Germany.”
- https://myslpolska.info/2024/04/07/czy-zagraza-nam-wojna/
Poland’s Domestic Pro-Russian Propaganda Circles
The cases of Konrad Rękas and Adam Śmiech illustrate a broader phenomenon: Kremlin narratives do not spread only through overt state propaganda outlets but through domestic voices, often framed as nationalists, skeptics, or “alternative” commentators. Their arguments become raw material for Russian state outlets, which repackage them as confirmations that “Europe itself agrees” with Moscow’s narratives.
Poland’s prominence in Russian information warfare—due to its strategic location, support for Ukraine, and influence within Europe—makes it a target for operations designed to fracture public opinion, polarize political debate, and undermine trust in national democratic institutions.
Local amplifiers such as Rękas and Śmiech do not operate in isolation. Their narratives travel through a transnational propaganda pipeline that connects marginal Polish commentary with global disinformation channels. Understanding how these networks operate is essential for assessing the resilience of Poland’s information environment—and for recognizing the subtle ways in which foreign influence takes root.
